America Unites in Prayer
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
56th Annual Day of Prayer comes at 'crucial time in history.'
Millions of Americans will answer the call to prayer on May 3 in observance of the 56th annual National Day of Prayer. Will you be among them?
The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman.
Shirley Dobson, wife of Dr. James Dobson, is chairman for the National Day of Prayer Task Force.
“At this crucial time in history, with our armed forces engaged in a desperate struggle in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, we encourage all people of faith to set aside their differences and publicly seek God's wisdom and direction for those in harm's way and for our homes, communities and country,” she said in a statement. “Our Founding Fathers recognized the power of prayer and gathered regularly to ask for God's blessing. We can do no less."
This year’s theme, "America, Unite in Prayer," is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Author and pastor Dr. Charles Swindoll is this year’s honorary chairman and will speak at the main event in Washington, D.C., before heading to Lancaster, Pa., where more than 10,000 people will come together in prayer that evening.
Dona Fisher, who has coordinated the Lancaster events for 11 years, said the events will “blend God’s people together.”
“It’s just been wonderful,” she said. “God has brought together churches. It’s totally a God thing.
“God takes us through the hard times because he wants intimacy with us. He wants us to have a deep relationship that moves us to tears and repentance and forgiveness. I think we’re heading in that way.”
America Unites in Prayer
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